During last year’s draft, the Cardinals traded out of the No. 3 spot before jumping back up to No. 6. Could they be eyeing similar moves in 2024?
Some people around the NFL believe GM Monti Ossenfort could be considering that route, although one of the trades would be contingent on the other. As ESPN’s Field Yates writes, the Cardinals would “want to ensure” they they’ll be capable of trading up the board before they move on from their fourth-overall selection.
While trading back would seem to be the more significant move, the organization is focused on moving up from their hypothetical pick acquisition. That’s because the team is especially determined to leave the first round with one of the draft’s elite receivers. If the organization trades No. 4 for a pick that takes them out of the top-10, there’s a good chance they miss out on the likes of Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers, and Washington’s Rome Odunze.
Of course, the Cardinals could just stay put at No. 4 and have their pick of the draft’s top receiver prospects. We heard earlier this week that Harrison, the consensus top player at his position, was a “wheelhouse pick” for Arizona. Amid an unusually structured pre-draft program, Harrison visited the Cardinals recently. However, if the Cardinals believe there isn’t a significant gap between Harrison and the Nabers/Odunze duo, a series of trades could still land them a WR plus extra assets.
After moving back from No. 3 to No. 12 during last year’s draft, the Cardinals ended up moving back up to No. 6 in order to acquire Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.. The trade machinations ended up netting the Cardinals a future first-round pick, a selection that resulted in the No. 27 pick in this year’s draft.
Seems like that’s not really a reasonable expectation, maybe the could swap 4 to 6 but how much capital is that really gaining them in WR prospect trades? Every GM is gonna tax them extra this year because they’ve seen this already
They could trade #4 to the Vikes for #11 and #23. Depending on how the board falls (assuming four QBs go) they could trade with the Bears at #9 if a WR is there. Bears move back two spots and get a pick in return (not sure the return but something at least). Seems like it could be a win/win.
The Cards did a great job in last year’s draft but I think this year they need to stay right where they are and pick the best player available. It’s not worth the risk to be try and be to cute and miss out on an elite WR…especially if Harrison is sitting there at 4 as expected. Sometimes it’s better to not overthink things. Just take the potential Hall of Fame WR at 4 and ensure you’ve had a successful draft.
The entire football season, MHJ was considered the best player, WR for sure, in NCAA. It wasn’t all that close either. How do they not draft him and finally see what Kyler can do? They are loaded with picks. Trade back at 27 for more picks next sure, but draft MHJ at 4!
It would be such a Cards thing to do trade back, hoping your player falls rather than just staying put & draft him!
I agree. If the top 3 picks are QBs, MHJ seems like a no-brainer that not even the Cardinals could screw up.
I’d not call that a ‘plan’, more like a hypothesis
GM’s get too cute. Unless they’re only trading back to #6 they need to stick and pick at #4.
Totally dependent on both ends of the deal. Where are they trading down to and can they get back up. If the rumors are true the chargers want to trade down then maybe they go down from 4 and back up to 5 to get the guy they want anyway.